US9473604B2 - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Mobile terminal Download PDF

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Publication number
US9473604B2
US9473604B2 US14/718,588 US201514718588A US9473604B2 US 9473604 B2 US9473604 B2 US 9473604B2 US 201514718588 A US201514718588 A US 201514718588A US 9473604 B2 US9473604 B2 US 9473604B2
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United States
Prior art keywords
case
mobile terminal
seating part
display unit
wall surface
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
US14/718,588
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English (en)
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US20160156755A1 (en
Inventor
Dongjun CHOI
Minchul SHIN
Minho Park
Dongyoup Han
Dawoon Jung
Youngil Cho
HeeYoung Lee
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LG Electronics Inc
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LG Electronics Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020140167217A external-priority patent/KR102201749B1/ko
Priority claimed from KR1020150050048A external-priority patent/KR20160120897A/ko
Application filed by LG Electronics Inc filed Critical LG Electronics Inc
Assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC. reassignment LG ELECTRONICS INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: Cho, Youngil, JUNG, DAWOON, LEE, HEEYOUNG, HAN, DONGYOUP, PARK, MINHO, CHOI, DONGJUN, SHIN, MINCHUL
Publication of US20160156755A1 publication Critical patent/US20160156755A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/026—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components
    • H04M1/0266—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components for a display module assembly
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1637—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1656—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1656—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories
    • G06F1/1658—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories related to the mounting of internal components, e.g. disc drive or any other functional module
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0249—Details of the mechanical connection between the housing parts or relating to the method of assembly
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0279—Improving the user comfort or ergonomics

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a mobile terminal and, more particularly, to a coupled structure of a display unit and case of the mobile terminal.
  • Terminals may be generally classified as mobile/portable terminals or stationary terminals according to their mobility. Mobile terminals may also be classified as handheld terminals or vehicle mounted terminals according to whether or not a user can directly carry the terminal.
  • Mobile terminals have become increasingly more functional. Examples of such functions include data and voice communications, capturing images and video via a camera, recording audio, playing music files via a speaker system, and displaying images and video on a display. Some mobile terminals include additional functionality which supports game playing, while other terminals are configured as multimedia players. More recently, mobile terminals have been configured to receive broadcast and multicast signals which permit viewing of content such as videos and television programs.
  • the terminal As functions of the terminal are getting diversified, the terminal tends to be implemented as a multimedia player provided with complex functions such as photographing of photos or videos, playback of music or video files, game play, broadcast reception and the like for example.
  • a size of a display of a mobile terminal tends to increase in order to provide a user with better views of the various media and functions mentioned in the foregoing description.
  • a size of the mobile terminal tends to decrease to facilitate portability.
  • a case is designed small and a design for reducing a structure for coupling a display unit with the case is taken into consideration like other parts of the case. Owing to this reason, a contact area between a display unit and a case coupled together can be reduced.
  • a large display is advantageous in aspect of multimedia functionality. Yet, it may be difficult for a user to concentrate on information displayed on the large display due to a size of the large display. Therefore, in order for a user to easily concentrate on displayed information, a display having a prescribed curvature tends to apply to a mobile terminal recently. However, in order to match the display having the prescribed curvature, a case, and more particularly, a part for coupling the display and the case together has a prescribed curvature as well. Hence, it may be difficult to stably install a coupling member on the case or display or to uniformly apply an adhesive due to the curvature.
  • the recent design change of a mobile terminal may weaken the coupling strength between a display and a case.
  • the demand for a solution for maintaining or strengthening the coupling strength appropriately is rising.
  • the present invention is directed to a mobile terminal that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
  • One object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal, by which an adhesive can be uniformly applied between a display unit and a case.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal, by which a space between a display unit and a case can be uniformly filled up with an adhesive.
  • a mobile terminal may include a case, a display unit installed on the case, a seating part provided to the case, the seating part configured to support the display unit, and a channel provided to the seating part, the channel configured to receive an adhesive for coupling the display unit and the case together, wherein the channel includes a bottom portion, a first wall surface extending from the bottom portion and a second wall surface extending from the bottom portion, wherein the second wall surface is disposed closer to a center of the case than the first wall surface, and wherein the second wall surface tilts at a prescribed angle toward the center of the case.
  • the display unit may have a prescribed curvature. More preferably, the display unit may have a curvature formed along a length direction of the mobile terminal.
  • the case may include an opening having the display unit installed thereon and the seating part may extend toward the center of the case from an inner circumferential surface of the case enclosing the opening.
  • the display unit may include a display module and a window covering the display module and the window may be attached to the seating part.
  • the first wall surface may extend in a manner of being substantially normal to the bottom portion of the channel.
  • the second wall surface may tilt at 30 degrees against a horizontal plane including the bottom portion of the channel.
  • the channel may further include a third wall surface extending normally from the second wall surface.
  • the mobile terminal may further include a spacer provided to the seating part, the spacer configured to maintain an interval between the display unit and the seating part.
  • the spacer may include a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface spaced apart in a prescribed distance from the first lateral surface to be disposed closer to an outside of the case, the second lateral surface tilting at a prescribed angle toward the center of the case.
  • the second lateral surface may be formed in continuation with the second wall surface.
  • the mobile terminal may further include a pattern provided onto the seating part, the pattern configured to hold an adhesive supplied to the seating part not to flow.
  • the pattern may be provided to a top surface of the seating part formed between an inner end of the seating part and the channel. More preferably, the pattern may comprise a peak and a bottom, which are formed alternately. More preferably, when the adhesive is applied to the pattern, the pattern may be configured to communicate with an outside of the pattern. And, both ends of the bottom of the pattern may communicate with the channel and an inside of the case, respectively.
  • the present invention provides the following effects and/or features.
  • the present invention leads an adhesive to a bottom part of a channel provided to a seating part, thereby filling the channel with the adhesive uniformly and applying the adhesive to the seating part entirely and uniformly.
  • the present invention hold an adhesive on a seating part not to flow, thereby applying the adhesive onto the seating part uniformly.
  • the present invention enables a display unit and a case, i.e., a seating part to adhere to each other uniformly, thereby considerably increasing adhesion strength.
  • FIG. 1A is a block diagram to describe a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C are perspective diagrams for one example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention viewed in different directions, respectively;
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective diagram for one example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a layout for one example of a front case of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional diagram obtained along a cutting-plane line A-A shown in FIG. 1B or FIG. 5 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram for one example of a mobile terminal including a display unit having a curvature
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram for one example of a process for coupling a display unit and a case together in a mobile terminal according to the present invention
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram for one example of a coupled display unit and case in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective diagram for one example of a spacer in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional diagram for one example of a spacer in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional diagram for one example of a pattern applied to a case in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional diagram for another example of a pattern applied to a case in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional diagram of a case having an adhesive applied thereto in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a layout for examples of a pattern applied to a case of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective diagram for a modification of a pattern shown in FIG. 13( a ) .
  • FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional diagram obtained along a cutting-plane line B-B shown in FIG. 14 .
  • Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a variety of different types of terminals. Examples of such terminals include cellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable computers (PCs), slate PCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable devices (for example, smart watches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)), and the like.
  • PDAs personal digital assistants
  • PMPs portable multimedia players
  • PCs portable computers
  • slate PCs slate PCs
  • tablet PCs tablet PCs
  • ultra books ultra books
  • wearable devices for example, smart watches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)
  • FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure
  • FIGS. 1B and 1 C are conceptual views of one example of the mobile terminal, viewed from different directions.
  • the mobile terminal 100 is shown having components such as a wireless communication unit 110 , an input unit 120 , a sensing unit 140 , an output unit 150 , an interface unit 160 , a memory 170 , a controller 180 , and a power supply unit 190 . It is understood that implementing all of the illustrated components is not a requirement, and that greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.
  • the mobile terminal 100 is shown having wireless communication unit 110 configured with several commonly implemented components.
  • the wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or more components which permit wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system or network within which the mobile terminal is located.
  • the wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or more modules which permit communications such as wireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system, communications between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal, communications between the mobile terminal 100 and an external server. Further, the wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or more modules which connect the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.
  • the wireless communication unit 110 includes one or more of a broadcast receiving module 111 , a mobile communication module 112 , a wireless Internet module 113 , a short-range communication module 114 , and a location information module 115 .
  • the input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining images or video, a microphone 122 , which is one type of audio input device for inputting an audio signal, and a user input unit 123 (for example, a touch key, a push key, a mechanical key, a soft key, and the like) for allowing a user to input information.
  • Data for example, audio, video, image, and the like
  • controller 180 may analyze and process data (for example, audio, video, image, and the like) according to device parameters, user commands, and combinations thereof.
  • the sensing unit 140 is typically implemented using one or more sensors configured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, the surrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, and the like.
  • the sensing unit 140 is shown having a proximity sensor 141 and an illumination sensor 142 .
  • the sensing unit 140 may alternatively or additionally include other types of sensors or devices, such as a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scan sensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera 121 ), a microphone 122 , a battery gauge, an environment sensor (for example, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a thermal sensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and a chemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor, a biometric sensor, and the like), to name a few.
  • the mobile terminal 100 may be configured to utilize information obtained from sensing unit 140 , and in particular, information obtained from one or more sensors of the sensing unit 140 , and combinations thereof.
  • the output unit 150 is typically configured to output various types of information, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like.
  • the output unit 150 is shown having a display unit 151 , an audio output module 152 , a haptic module 153 , and an optical output module 154 .
  • the display unit 151 may have an inter-layered structure or an integrated structure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touch screen.
  • the touch screen may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user, as well as function as the user input unit 123 which provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user.
  • the interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various types of external devices that can be coupled to the mobile terminal 100 .
  • the interface unit 160 may include any of wired or wireless ports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports for connecting a device having an identification module, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports, and the like.
  • the mobile terminal 100 may perform assorted control functions associated with a connected external device, in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit 160 .
  • the memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to support various functions or features of the mobile terminal 100 .
  • the memory 170 may be configured to store application programs executed in the mobile terminal 100 , data or instructions for operations of the mobile terminal 100 , and the like. Some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Other application programs may be installed within the mobile terminal 100 at time of manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the case for basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving a call, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and the like). It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory 170 , installed in the mobile terminal 100 , and executed by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) for the mobile terminal 100 .
  • the controller 180 typically functions to control overall operation of the mobile terminal 100 , in addition to the operations associated with the application programs.
  • the controller 180 may provide or process information or functions appropriate for a user by processing signals, data, information and the like, which are input or output by the various components depicted in FIG. 1A , or activating application programs stored in the memory 170 . As one example, the controller 180 controls some or all of the components illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C according to the execution of an application program that have been stored in the memory 170 .
  • the power supply unit 190 can be configured to receive external power or provide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required for operating elements and components included in the mobile terminal 100 .
  • the power supply unit 190 may include a battery, and the battery may be configured to be embedded in the terminal body, or configured to be detachable from the terminal body.
  • the mobile terminal 100 is described with reference to a bar-type terminal body.
  • the mobile terminal 100 may alternatively be implemented in any of a variety of different configurations. Examples of such configurations include watch-type, clip-type, glasses-type, or as a folder-type, flip-type, slide-type, swing-type, and swivel-type in which two and more bodies are combined with each other in a relatively movable manner, and combinations thereof. Discussion herein will often relate to a particular type of mobile terminal (for example, bar-type, watch-type, glasses-type, and the like). However, such teachings with regard to a particular type of mobile terminal will generally apply to other types of mobile terminals as well.
  • the mobile terminal 100 will generally include a case (for example, frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the appearance of the terminal.
  • the case is formed using a front case 101 and a rear case 102 .
  • Various electronic components are incorporated into a space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102 .
  • At least one middle case may be additionally positioned between the front case 101 and the rear case 102 .
  • the display unit 151 is shown located on the front side of the terminal body to output information. As illustrated, a window 151 a of the display unit 151 may be mounted to the front case 101 to form the front surface of the terminal body together with the front case 101 .
  • electronic components may also be mounted to the rear case 102 .
  • Examples of such electronic components include a detachable battery 191 , an identification module, a memory card, and the like.
  • Rear cover 103 is shown covering the electronic components, and this cover may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102 . Therefore, when the rear cover 103 is detached from the rear case 102 , the electronic components mounted to the rear case 102 are externally exposed.
  • the rear cover 103 when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102 , a side surface of the rear case 102 is partially exposed. In some cases, upon the coupling, the rear case 102 may also be completely shielded by the rear cover 103 . In some embodiments, the rear cover 103 may include an opening for externally exposing a camera 121 b or an audio output module 152 b.
  • the cases 101 , 102 , 103 may be formed by injection-molding synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.
  • STS stainless steel
  • Al aluminum
  • Ti titanium
  • the mobile terminal 100 may be configured such that one case forms the inner space.
  • a mobile terminal 100 having a uni-body is formed in such a manner that synthetic resin or metal extends from a side surface to a rear surface.
  • the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproofing unit (not shown) for preventing introduction of water into the terminal body.
  • the waterproofing unit may include a waterproofing member which is located between the window 151 a and the front case 101 , between the front case 101 and the rear case 102 , or between the rear case 102 and the rear cover 103 , to hermetically seal an inner space when those cases are coupled.
  • FIGS. 1B and 1C depict certain components as arranged on the mobile terminal.
  • the first manipulation unit 123 a may be located on another surface of the terminal body, and the second audio output module 152 b may be located on the side surface of the terminal body.
  • the display unit 151 outputs information processed in the mobile terminal 100 .
  • the display unit 151 may be implemented using one or more suitable display devices. Examples of such suitable display devices include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3-dimensional (3D) display, an e-ink display, and combinations thereof.
  • the display unit 151 may be implemented using two display devices, which can implement the same or different display technology. For instance, a plurality of the display units 151 may be arranged on one side, either spaced apart from each other, or these devices may be integrated, or these devices may be arranged on different surfaces.
  • the display unit 151 may also include a touch sensor which senses a touch input received at the display unit.
  • the touch sensor may be configured to sense this touch and the controller 180 , for example, may generate a control command or other signal corresponding to the touch.
  • the content which is input in the touching manner may be a text or numerical value, or a menu item which can be indicated or designated in various modes.
  • the touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touch pattern, disposed between the window 151 a and a display on a rear surface of the window 151 a , or a metal wire which is patterned directly on the rear surface of the window 151 a .
  • the touch sensor may be integrally formed with the display.
  • the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display or within the display.
  • the display unit 151 may also form a touch screen together with the touch sensor.
  • the touch screen may serve as the user input unit 123 (see FIG. 1A ). Therefore, the touch screen may replace at least some of the functions of the first manipulation unit 123 a.
  • the first audio output module 152 a may be implemented in the form of a speaker to output voice audio, alarm sounds, multimedia audio reproduction, and the like.
  • the window 151 a of the display unit 151 will typically include an aperture to permit audio generated by the first audio output module 152 a to pass.
  • One alternative is to allow audio to be released along an assembly gap between the structural bodies (for example, a gap between the window 151 a and the front case 101 ). In this case, a hole independently formed to output audio sounds may not be seen or is otherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying the appearance and manufacturing of the mobile terminal 100 .
  • the optical output module 154 can be configured to output light for indicating an event generation. Examples of such events include a message reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an email reception, information reception through an application, and the like.
  • the controller can control the optical output unit 154 to stop the light output.
  • the first camera 121 a can process image frames such as still or moving images obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or a video call mode. The processed image frames can then be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170 .
  • the first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b are examples of the user input unit 123 , which may be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobile terminal 100 .
  • the first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b may also be commonly referred to as a manipulating portion, and may employ any tactile method that allows the user to perform manipulation such as touch, push, scroll, or the like.
  • the first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b may also employ any non-tactile method that allows the user to perform manipulation such as proximity touch, hovering, or the like.
  • FIG. 1B illustrates the first manipulation unit 123 a as a touch key, but possible alternatives include a mechanical key, a push key, a touch key, and combinations thereof.
  • Input received at the first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b may be used in various ways.
  • the first manipulation unit 123 a may be used by the user to provide an input to a menu, home key, cancel, search, or the like
  • the second manipulation unit 123 b may be used by the user to provide an input to control a volume level being output from the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b , to switch to a touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 , or the like.
  • a rear input unit may be located on the rear surface of the terminal body.
  • the rear input unit can be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobile terminal 100 .
  • the input may be used in a variety of different ways.
  • the rear input unit may be used by the user to provide an input for power on/off, start, end, scroll, control volume level being output from the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b , switch to a touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 , and the like.
  • the rear input unit may be configured to permit touch input, a push input, or combinations thereof.
  • the rear input unit may be located to overlap the display unit 151 of the front side in a thickness direction of the terminal body.
  • the rear input unit may be located on an upper end portion of the rear side of the terminal body such that a user can easily manipulate it using a forefinger when the user grabs the terminal body with one hand.
  • the rear input unit can be positioned at most any location of the rear side of the terminal body.
  • Embodiments that include the rear input unit may implement some or all of the functionality of the first manipulation unit 123 a in the rear input unit. As such, in situations where the first manipulation unit 123 a is omitted from the front side, the display unit 151 can have a larger screen.
  • the mobile terminal 100 may include a finger scan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint.
  • the controller 180 can then use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor as part of an authentication procedure.
  • the finger scan sensor may also be installed in the display unit 151 or implemented in the user input unit 123 .
  • the microphone 122 is shown located at an end of the mobile terminal 100 , but other locations are possible. If desired, multiple microphones may be implemented, with such an arrangement permitting the receiving of stereo sounds.
  • the interface unit 160 may serve as a path allowing the mobile terminal 100 to interface with external devices.
  • the interface unit 160 may include one or more of a connection terminal for connecting to another device (for example, an earphone, an external speaker, or the like), a port for near field communication (for example, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, and the like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100 .
  • the interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of a socket for accommodating an external card, such as Subscriber Identification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a memory card for information storage.
  • SIM Subscriber Identification Module
  • UIM User Identity Module
  • the second camera 121 b is shown located at the rear side of the terminal body and includes an image capturing direction that is substantially opposite to the image capturing direction of the first camera unit 121 a . If desired, second camera 121 a may alternatively be located at other locations, or made to be moveable, in order to have a different image capturing direction from that which is shown.
  • the second camera 121 b can include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line.
  • the plurality of lenses may also be arranged in a matrix configuration.
  • the cameras may be referred to as an “array camera.”
  • images may be captured in various manners using the plurality of lenses and images with better qualities.
  • a flash 124 is shown adjacent to the second camera 121 b .
  • the flash 124 may illuminate the subject.
  • the second audio output module 152 b can be located on the terminal body.
  • the second audio output module 152 b may implement stereophonic sound functions in conjunction with the first audio output module 152 a , and may be also used for implementing a speaker phone mode for call communication.
  • At least one antenna for wireless communication may be located on the terminal body.
  • the antenna may be installed in the terminal body or formed by the case.
  • an antenna which configures a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 may be retractable into the terminal body.
  • an antenna may be formed using a film attached to an inner surface of the rear cover 103 , or a case that includes a conductive material.
  • a power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100 may include a battery 191 , which is mounted in the terminal body or detachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body.
  • the battery 191 may receive power via a power source cable connected to the interface unit 160 . Also, the battery 191 can be recharged in a wireless manner using a wireless charger. Wireless charging may be implemented by magnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance.
  • the rear cover 103 is shown coupled to the rear case 102 for shielding the battery 191 , to prevent separation of the battery 191 , and to protect the battery 191 from an external impact or from foreign material.
  • the rear case 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102 .
  • An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending the functions of the mobile terminal 100 can also be provided on the mobile terminal 100 .
  • a cover or pouch for covering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal 100 may be provided.
  • the cover or pouch may cooperate with the display unit 151 to extend the function of the mobile terminal 100 .
  • a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch input to a touch screen is another example of the accessory.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective diagram for one example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a layout for one example of a front case of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional diagram obtained along a cutting-plane line A-A shown in FIG. 1B .
  • a mechanical structure, and more particularly, a coupled structure between a display unit 151 and a frame for one example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention is described in detail with reference to the above-listed drawings as follows.
  • the mobile terminal 100 may have the case configured to form its exterior.
  • the case may include the front case 101 disposed on a front side of the mobile terminal 100 and a rear case 102 disposed on a rear side of the mobile terminal to be coupled with a rear surface of the front case 101 .
  • the above-configured case may have a prescribed inner space formed therein. And, various parts and components can be installed in the inner space.
  • the display unit 151 can be installed or located at the case. In association with installations of the various parts and components, the case may have an opening 101 a of a prescribed size and the display unit 151 can be located or installed in the opening 101 a .
  • the front case 101 of the case can have the opening 101 a of the prescribed size and the opening 101 a can receive the display unit 151 therein.
  • the opening 101 a may be disposed at a center of the mobile terminal 100 , and more specifically, at a center of the front case 101 .
  • the front case 101 can have a frame 101 b relatively formed on a circumference of the opening 101 a .
  • the display unit 151 can be inserted in the frame 101 b .
  • the frame 101 b can enclose an outer circumference of the display unit 151 .
  • the mobile terminal 100 may include a seating part (or a seating portion) 104 .
  • the seating part 104 is provided to or located at the case and can be configured to support the display unit 151 .
  • the seating part 104 may be provided to the front case 101 to neighbor to the display unit 151 .
  • the seating part 104 since a prescribed inner circumferential surface is formed on the case relatively around the opening 101 a due to the formation of the opening 101 a , the seating part 104 may be configured to extend in an inward direction from the inner circumferential surface of the case enclosing the opening 101 a .
  • FIG. 1 On the other hand, referring to FIG.
  • the seating part 104 may be configured to extend toward a center O of the case from the inner circumferential surface. Moreover, since the opening 101 a is substantially formed in the front case 101 , the seating part 104 may be described as extending in the inward direction from the front case 101 enclosing the opening 101 a , and more particularly, from the inner circumferential surface of the frame 101 b or as extending from the inner circumferential surface toward the center O of the front case 101 . As a result of such configuration, the seating part 104 is provided to the case, and more particularly, to the front case 101 or the inner circumferential surface of the front case 101 and may include a flange configured to extend in an inward direction of the front case 101 .
  • the seating part 104 may be provided to the case, and more particularly, to each of two lateral portions and top and bottom portions of the front case 101 .
  • the seating parts 104 a and 104 b of the top and bottom portions may be configured relatively wider than the rest of the seating part 104 for the installation of various parts such as cameras, sensors, microphones, speakers and the like.
  • a width of the mobile terminal 100 may be considerably limited. Due to these reasons, in order to have a width as narrow as possible, as shown in FIG. 3 , the seating part 104 of the two lateral portions may be configured considerably narrower than the seating parts 104 a and 104 b of the top and bottom portions.
  • the display unit 151 may include a display module 151 b and a window 151 a configured to cover the display module 151 b .
  • the display module 151 b may include the aforementioned display device such as LCD, OLED and the like and corresponds to a component configured to actually display image information.
  • the window 151 a may be disposed in front of the display module 151 b and is able to protect the display module 151 b externally.
  • the window 151 a is equipped with such a protective function and should allow information, which is displayed on the display module 151 b , to be watched by a user.
  • the window 151 a may be generally formed of tempered glass to have appropriate stiffness and transparency.
  • the window 151 a may be formed of a transparent plastic material.
  • the window 151 a is formed of a transparent material overall, other portions of the mobile terminal 100 , e.g., one portion of the neighboring front case 101 or internal components or parts of the mobile terminal may be exposed to a user as well as the display module 151 b . Such exposure may degrade appearance of the mobile terminal 100 .
  • a prescribed portion of the window 151 a except a prescribed region for exposing image information displayed on the display module 151 b may be configured non-transparent.
  • a non-transparent layer may be coated on or attached to an outer circumferential portion enclosing the display module 151 b on the rear surface of the window 151 a .
  • a non-transparent layer may be called a bezel 151 c .
  • the bezel 151 c may be configured in a manner that the input unit 120 or the output unit 150 of the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an outside of the mobile terminal 100 .
  • a portion of the bezel 151 c may be removed to form prescribed openings.
  • the related input and the related output units may be arranged on the openings. Through the openings and the transparent window 151 a , the input unit and the output units can be externally connected to detect prescribed information externally or to output prescribed information externally.
  • the display unit 151 may be installed on the case to be disposed on the front side of the mobile terminal 100 .
  • the display unit 151 may be installed in the case, i.e., the front case 101 .
  • the display unit 151 i.e., the window 151 a can be inserted in the case, i.e., the front case 101 . Owing to such insertion, the display unit 151 , i.e., the window 151 a can be received in the opening 101 a of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ).
  • the display unit 151 i.e., the window 151 a can be enclosed by the case (i.e., the frame 101 b of the front case 101 ). Moreover, when the display unit 151 (i.e., the window 151 a ) is inserted, the display unit 151 (i.e., the window 151 a ) can be stably supported by the seating part 104 so as to maintain its location within the case (i.e., the front case 101 ) by avoiding interference with the parts or components within the mobile terminal 100 .
  • the display unit 151 may configure the front side of the mobile terminal together with the front case 101 (e.g., the frame 101 b ) and can be exposed to a user to display the image information of the display module 151 b disposed in rear of the display unit 151 .
  • the display module 151 b may be directly attached to the rear surface of the window 151 a .
  • the display module 151 b can be directly attached to the window 151 a in various ways. And, an adhesive can be usable for the direct attachment most conveniently.
  • the display module 151 b may be coupled with the case, i.e., the front case 101 through the window 151 a .
  • the display unit 151 can be substantially installed on the case, i.e., the front case 101 .
  • the display module 151 b may be directly fixed to the case, i.e., the front case 101 instead of the window 151 a .
  • the display module 151 b may be fixed to the rear case 102 or an auxiliary frame (not shown in the drawing) configured to support a rear surface of the display unit 151 by being inserted between the front case 101 and the rear case 102 .
  • the auxiliary frame may be formed of a metal based material to reinforce stiffness of the mobile terminal 100 .
  • the auxiliary frame is advantageous in supporting the stiffness of the mobile terminal 100 , it may cause a problem of increasing a thickness of the mobile terminal 100 , a problem of increasing a weight of the mobile terminal 100 , and a problem of raising a manufacturing cost of the mobile terminal 100 .
  • a main board may be able to support the rear surface of the display unit 151 instead.
  • the mainboard 181 is a component on which various electronic parts, and more particularly, various processors configuring the controller 180 are mounted together with other assistant circuitry and devices. And, the mainboard 181 is able to control operations of the mobile terminal 100 overall. Generally, various electronic parts can be installed on both sides of the mainboard 181 overall. Yet, as mentioned in the foregoing description, if the mainboard 181 is configured to support the display module 151 b by directly contacting with the display module 151 b , the parts may not be disposed on a portion corresponding to the rear surface of the display module 151 b to avoid interference with the display module 151 b .
  • the rear case 102 may be disposed in a manner of covering a rear surface of the mainboard 181 .
  • the rear case 102 may configure an appearance of the mobile terminal 100 by being coupled with the front case 101 .
  • the rear case 102 and the front case 101 are coupled with each other through their circumferential portions, thereby providing a mechanic room configured to receive various parts including the mainboard 181 in-between.
  • FIG. 5 shows one example of a mobile terminal including a display unit having such a curvature.
  • the display unit 151 and more particularly, the display module 151 a , as shown in FIG. 5 as well as in FIG. 2 , may have a shape of a rectangular panel having a width W and a length L greater than the width W.
  • the length L is oriented in a direction V vertical to a ground, a length between top and bottom ends of the display unit 151 , i.e., the length L shown in the drawing becomes relatively longer than the width W, thereby providing the same orientation of a normal paper document.
  • images i.e., still images (picture), moving images (video)
  • the relatively longer length L may be advantageously oriented in a horizontal direction H.
  • the user when a user watches a still image (e.g., a picture) or a moving image (e.g., a video), as shown in the coordinates system of FIG. 5 , the user is able to rotate the length L by about 90 degrees from the orientation of the vertical direction V in order for the length L to be oriented in the horizontal direction H.
  • the width W forms both lateral portions of a screen.
  • both of the lateral portions may be preferably disposed to be relatively close to the user and a center portion of the screen may be preferably disposed to be relatively distant from the user. Due to these reasons, the display unit 151 is configured to have a prescribed curvature to have a shape capable of raising the concentration.
  • the display unit 151 may have a curvature formed along a direction of the length L; however, if necessary, the display unit 151 may have a curvature formed along a direction of the width W.
  • the case may have a curvature in accordance with the curvature of the display unit 151 .
  • the rest of the structures can be designed identical to a flat mobile terminal except having a curvature, all the structures shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the descriptions with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 are identically applicable to the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 5 .
  • the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 5 has the curvature along the length L but fails to have the curvature along the width W.
  • the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 5 and the mobile terminal shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are identical to each other in the cross-sections in the direction of the width W.
  • the cross-section shown in FIG. 4 can become a cross-sectional diagram along the cutting plane line A-A shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as well as the cross-section in the direction of the width W along the cutting plane line A-A shown in FIG. 5 .
  • all cross-sections obtained along the width direction in FIGS. 6 to 13 may correspond to the width-directional cross-sections of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 5 as well as to the width-directional cross-sections of the mobile terminal shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 .
  • the window 151 a of the display unit 151 can be coupled with the case (i.e., the front case 101 ), and more particularly, with the seating part 104 .
  • the window 151 a may be able to use a prescribed fastening member or other mechanical members for the coupling with the seating part 104 . Yet, using the mechanical members may increase a volume of the mobile terminal 100 unnecessarily.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram for one example of a process for coupling a display unit and a case together in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram for one example of a coupled display unit and case in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIGS. 9 to 12 illustrate examples of the enlarged cross-section of the part ‘A’ shown in FIG. 4 as well FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 .
  • a coupled structure of the display unit 151 and the case i.e., a coupled structure of the window 151 a and the front case (particularly, the seating part 104 ) is described in detail with reference to the above drawings as follows.
  • the window 151 a can be put on the seating part 104 having the adhesive applied thereto.
  • a prescribed pressure may be applied together.
  • the surface of the seating part 104 is flat approximately, it may be difficult to apply a sufficient amount of the adhesive A onto the surface of the seating part 104 .
  • a channel 105 may be provided to or located at the seating part 104 .
  • the channel 105 may include a groove formed on the seating part 104 .
  • the channel 105 may be formed on the seating part 104 along an outer circumference of the case, i.e., the front case 101 .
  • the channel 105 may have a configuration of a canal having an open top.
  • the channel 105 may include a bottom portion (or part) 105 a and first and second wall surfaces 105 b and 105 c extending from the bottom portion 105 a to form both lateral portions of the channel 105 .
  • the first wall surface 105 b and the second wall surface 105 c can be disposed oppositely by being spaced apart from each other in a prescribed distance. Further, the first and second wall surfaces 105 b and 105 c may extend toward the display unit 151 from the bottom portion 105 a .
  • the first wall surface 105 b may be disposed adjacent to the case, i.e., an outer circumferential portion of the front case 101 .
  • the first wall surface 105 b can be disposed adjacent to the frame 101 b of the front case 101 .
  • the second wall surface 105 c may be spaced apart from the first wall surface 105 b in an inward direction of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ), and more particularly, toward the center O (cf. FIG. 3 ) of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ) in a prescribed distance.
  • the second wall surface 105 c may be disposed closer to an inside of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ) than the first wall surface 105 b .
  • the second wall surface 105 c may be described as disposed closer to the center O of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ) than the first wall surface 105 b .
  • the second wall surface 105 c may be disposed between the first wall surface 105 b and the center O of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ).
  • the first wall surface 105 b may substantially extend from the bottom portion 105 a in a normal direction. If the first wall surface 105 b has a prescribed inclination toward an outside of the case, i.e., the front case 101 , the adhesive A stored in the channel 105 may easily leak out of the case by being led to an inclining surface when the window 151 a is pressed on the seating part 104 . Hence, the normal first wall surface 105 b may be advantageous in preventing the leakage of the adhesive A. Meanwhile, the second wall surface 105 c may normally extend from the bottom portion 105 a like the first wall surface 105 b .
  • the second wall surface 105 c may tilt from an orientation normal to the bottom portion 105 a toward the inside or center O of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ).
  • the second wall surface 105 c may include an inclining surface oriented at a prescribed angle toward the inside or center O of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ). Owing to the tilting orientation, the second wall surface 105 c may enable the adhesive A provided within the channel 105 to flow toward the bottom portion 105 a in a direction of arrow shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the second wall surface 105 c leads the adhesive A to the bottom portion 105 a , whereby the channel 105 can be filled up with the adhesive A from the bottom portion 105 a sequentially and uniformly. Moreover, even if the adhesive A is supplied to the channel 105 unevenly and locally, the uniform filling can be continuously maintained owing to the leading by the second wall surface 105 c . Eventually, the tilting second wall surface 10 C determines a spreading direction of the adhesive A within the channel 105 , accelerates the uniform filling with the adhesive A, and enables the adhesive A to be uniformly applied.
  • the window 151 a and the seating part 104 can be uniformly attached to each other and the adhesion strength between the window 151 a and the seating part 104 can be enhanced.
  • the tilting second wall surface 105 c can supply the channel 105 with an additional adhesive A 1 amounting to a portion indicated by a dotted line shown in FIG. 7 in addition to the former adhesive A.
  • the additional adhesive A 1 can provide a stronger adhesive strength.
  • the mobile terminal 100 tends to be designed to have a smaller size for portability, whereby a size of the seating part 104 tends to be reduced as well.
  • the second side surface 105 c may preferably has a tilt angle ⁇ of 30 degrees against a horizontal plane including the bottom portion 105 a .
  • the tilt angle ⁇ is 30° with regard to the bottom portion 105 a.
  • the second side surface 105 c may extend from the bottom portion 105 a to the surface of the seating part 104 , i.e., a surface 104 c (cf. FIG. 8 ) opposite the window 151 a .
  • the second wall surface 105 c can be continuously formed on the surface 104 c of the seating part 104 .
  • the cannel 105 may further include a third wall surface 105 d normally extending from the second wall surface 105 c .
  • the third wall surface 105 d may extend toward the display unit 151 from the second wall surface 105 c , and may extend substantially normal to the bottom portion 105 a of the channel 105 .
  • the third wall surface 105 d may extend from a second end portion opposite a first end portion of the second wall surface 105 c connected to the bottom portion 105 a and may extend to the surface 104 c of the seating part 104 opposite the window 151 a .
  • the third wall surface 105 d may play a role as a sort of dam.
  • the third wall surface 105 d can prevent the adhesive A from overflowing into the case over the channel 105 and the seating part 104 .
  • the third wall surface 105 d can effectively prevent the adhesive A from flowing backward into the case.
  • the first wall surface 105 b may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ), and more particularly, from the frame 101 b .
  • the outer circumferential portion of the case e.g., the front case 101
  • the frame 101 b can face or enclose the display unit 151 (the window 151 a ).
  • the first wall surface 105 b is spaced apart by a prescribed distance from the outer circumferential portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ), and more particularly, from the frame 101 b .
  • the first wall surface 105 b neighbors to the outer circumferential portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ) or the frame 101 b but fails to contact with it in direct.
  • the first wall surface 105 b may be spaced inward from an inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ) or an inner circumferential surface of the frame 101 b . If the first wall surface 105 b directly abuts on (or contacts with) or connects with the inner circumferential surface of the front case 101 or the frame 101 b , the adhesive A may be easily leak from the case through the inner circumferential surface of the frame 101 b from the first wall surface 105 b .
  • first wall surface 105 b is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the frame 101 b , as shown in the drawing, a sort of a step portion may be formed between the inner circumferential surface of the frame 101 b and the first wall surface 105 b . Owing to this step portion, the adhesive A leaking from the channel 105 should flow through a substantially long path to get out of the case. Hence, the aforementioned first wall surface 105 b can effectively prevent the adhesive A from leaking out of the case.
  • the channel 105 may be described as spaced inward from the outer circumferential portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ).
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective diagram for one example of a spacer in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional diagram for one example of a spacer in a mobile terminal according to the present invention. The spacer 106 is shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 which are referred to in describing a spacer in the following.
  • the spacer 106 may be provided to a surface of the seating part 104 opposite the display 151 , i.e., the window 151 a , as shown in the drawings.
  • the display unit 151 i.e., the window 151 a
  • the display unit 151 may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ), and more particularly, from the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential portion or the frame 101 b in a prescribed distance. If the spacer 106 is disposed adjacent to the outer circumferential portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ), a user may see the spacer 106 through a clearance between the window and the case.
  • the spacer 106 may be provided to the surface 104 c of the seating part 104 formed between the channel 105 and an inner end of the seating part 104 .
  • the spacer 106 can stably support the display unit 151 (i.e., the window 151 a ) without interfering with the channel 105 and being seen by a user.
  • the spacer 106 may protrude from the seating part 104 at a prescribed height toward the display 151 , i.e., the window 151 a .
  • An end of the spacer 106 can support the display unit 151 (i.e., the window 151 a ) to be spaced apart from the seating part 104 .
  • the spacer 106 can maintain the clearance between the display unit 151 (i.e., the window 151 a ) and the seating part 104 .
  • the adhesive can be additionally applied across the seating part 104 and the channel 105 .
  • the additional adhesive S may be provided to a space above the surface of the seating part 104 formed between the channel 105 and the inner end of the seating part 104 as well as to the channel 105 .
  • the thickness of the adhesive part (substantially, the adhesive) is increased as well as the adhesion area, whereby a total adhesive strength can be considerably increased.
  • the spacer 106 can basically have a rectangular pillar shape.
  • the spacer 106 may have first and second lateral surfaces 106 a and 106 b disposed opposite each other by being spaced apart from each other in a prescribed distance.
  • the first lateral surface 106 a may be disposed adjacent to the inner end of the seating part 104 .
  • the first lateral surface 106 a may be disposed in the same plane of the inner end of the seating part 104 .
  • the second lateral surface 106 b may be spaced apart from the first lateral surface 106 a toward an outer direction of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ), and more particularly, toward an outside of the mobile terminal or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ) in a prescribed distance.
  • the second lateral surface 106 b is disposed on a boundary between the channel 106 and the seating part 104 (particularly, the surface of the seating part 104 opposite the window 151 a ).
  • the second lateral surface 106 b can be disposed closer to the outside of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ) than the first lateral surface 106 a .
  • the second lateral surface 106 b may be described as disposed closer to the outer circumferential portion of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ), and more particularly, to the frame 101 b of the front case 101 than the first lateral surface 106 a .
  • the first lateral surface 106 a may be described as disposed closer to the inside or center O of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ) than the second lateral surface 106 b .
  • the second lateral surface 106 b may be disposed between the first lateral surface 106 a and the outside of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ).
  • the first lateral surface 106 a can extend normally from the seating part 104 substantially. If the first lateral surface 106 a has a prescribed inclination toward the inside of the case (i.e., the front case 101 ), it may interfere with other parts inside, the first lateral surface 106 a preferably extend normally. Meanwhile, the second lateral surface 106 b may extend normally like the first lateral surface 106 a . Yet, according to one example of the present application, the second lateral surface 106 b may tilt toward the inside or center O of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ) from the orientation normal to the seating part 104 .
  • the second lateral surface 106 b may include an inclining surface oriented at a prescribed angle toward the inside of center O of the mobile terminal 100 or the case (e.g., the front case 101 ). Owing to such an inclining orientation, the second lateral surface 106 b prevents the adhesive A provided within the channel 105 from overflowing from the channel 105 and is also able to lead the adhesive A toward the bottom portion 105 a of the channel 105 . Hence, the second lateral surface 106 b assists the second wall surface 105 c to enable the channel 105 to be filled up with the adhesive A uniformly and also achieves the uniform and strong adhesion between the window 151 a and the seating part 104 . Referring to FIG.
  • the second lateral surface 106 b may be continuously formed from the second wall surface 105 c .
  • the second lateral surface 106 b may directly abut on or connect with the second wall surface 105 c .
  • the second lateral surface 106 b and the second wall surface 105 c can form a single large inclining surface substantially. Hence, the leading and uniform filling of the adhesive A can be achieved more effectively.
  • the second lateral surface 106 b is continuously formed from the second wall surface 105 c , it would be desirable for performing the function as mentioned above that the tilt angle of the second lateral surface 106 b and the tilt angle of the second wall surface 105 c are the same.
  • the second lateral surface 106 b may be continuously formed from the third wall surface 105 d .
  • the second lateral surface 106 b prevents the overflowing of the adhesive A by assisting the third wall surface 105 d and is also able to continue to lead the adhesive A using its inclining surface.
  • FIG. 8 a structure around the spacer 106 is illustrated in detail. It is able to apply the adhesive A onto the seating part 104 using a nozzle. If the nozzle discharges the adhesive A by moving along the seating part 104 in the arrow direction shown in FIG. 8 , the nozzle can maintain a fixed height from the seating part 104 during the discharge. If the spacer 106 has a considerable width W extending along the seating part 104 , it can bring a considerable change of a shape of the seating part 104 . Moreover, as mentioned in the foregoing description, since the nozzle maintains the fixed height, when the nozzle passes through a top end of the spacer 106 , a distance between the nozzle and the spacer 106 may decrease considerably.
  • the spacer 106 may have a cross-section in parallel with the surface 104 c of the seating part 104 opposite the window 151 a . And, this cross-section may have a width W and a length L relatively greater than the width W.
  • a width-to-length ratio i.e., an aspect ratio (W/L)
  • W/L aspect ratio
  • the aspect ratio of the cross-section may be set to 1/2.75 (i.e., 1:2.75).
  • the spacer 106 has the width as small as possible. Hence, the spacer 106 does not interrupt the uniform application of the adhesive A, thereby achieving the uniform adhesion.
  • the case e.g., the front case 101
  • the seating part 104 and the channel 105 provided to the front case 101 may have the same curvature.
  • the adhesive A provided to the seating part 104 and the channel 105 can flow to the center portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ) in the arrow direction.
  • the seating part 104 i.e., the surface 104 c between the channel 105 and the inner end of the seating part 104 is formed flat, the adhesive A may flow considerably.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional diagram for one example of a pattern applied to a case in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional diagram for another example of a pattern applied to a case in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional diagram of a case having an adhesive applied thereto in a mobile terminal according to the present invention, and FIG.
  • FIG. 13 is a layout for examples of a pattern applied to a case of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective diagram for a modification of a pattern shown in FIG. 13( a )
  • FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional diagram taken along a line B-B in FIG. 14 .
  • reference numbers are given to the example (a) among various examples shown in FIG. 13 and a detailed structure of a neighboring channel 105 is illustrated in FIG. 13( a ) together with the corresponding example of pattern.
  • the reference numbers are also given to the pattern of FIG. 14 , which is the modification of straight line or stripe pattern as shown in FIG. 13( a ) .
  • the reference numbers and channel structure are given to the example shown in FIG. 13( a ) and FIG. 14 only, they are applicable to other examples (b) to (d) without special modification.
  • a pattern 107 may be provided onto the surface 104 c of the seating part 104 opposite the display unit 151 , i.e., the window 151 a . Since it is highly possible that the adhesive A leaks out of the case, the adhesive A may be nearly applied nearby the outer circumferential portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ). Hence, the pattern 107 may be formed on the surface 104 c of the seating part 104 formed between the channel 104 and the inner end or the inner circumference of the seating part 104 together with the spacer 106 . In particular, the pattern 107 may be formed on one portion of the above-described surface of the seating part 104 except the portion having the spacer 106 disposed thereon.
  • the pattern 107 may include a plurality of peaks 107 a and a plurality of bottoms 107 b .
  • the peaks 107 a and the bottoms 107 are formed alternately and may connect with each other.
  • Cross-section of the peak and bottom 107 a and 107 b may have a rectangular or semispherical shape.
  • the cross-section of the peak and bottom 107 a and 107 b may have one of various shapes.
  • the pattern 107 may basically have a plane including stripes or straight lines shown in FIG. 13( a ) .
  • FIG. 11 the pattern 107 may include a plurality of peaks 107 a and a plurality of bottoms 107 b .
  • the peaks 107 a and the bottoms 107 are formed alternately and may connect with each other.
  • Cross-section of the peak and bottom 107 a and 107 b may have a rectangular or semispherical shape.
  • a plane including a multitude of projected dots may be applied as the pattern 107 .
  • a mesh pattern shown in FIG. 13( c ) or a grain pattern shown in FIG. 13( d ) may be applicable.
  • the grain pattern is similar to the stripe pattern but differs in the peak and bottom 107 a and 107 b configured to extend not straightly but serpently.
  • the stripe or straight line pattern 107 of FIG. 13( a ) may be oriented to tilt toward an outer circumferential portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 )
  • the stripe or straight line pattern 107 of FIG. 14 may be oriented normal to the outer circumferential portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ).
  • such a stripe or straight line pattern 107 may be parallel to the outer circumferential portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ) or the channel 105 .
  • the pattern 107 can be filled up with the adhesive A.
  • the adhesive A is blocked by the peak 107 a so as not to flow to some extent.
  • the adhesive A may stay in the bottom 107 b .
  • the pattern 107 may be configured to hold the adhesive A not to flow.
  • the seating part 104 has a prescribed curvature, as shown in FIG. 5 , the pattern 107 can maintain a uniformly applied state of the adhesive A, thereby enabling a uniform and strong adhesion.
  • an adhesive strength can be substantially increased.
  • the adhesive A is held in the bottom 107 b , an additional adhesive or bonding thickness formed by such a held adhesive A can be obtained.
  • the adhesive or bonding strength can be significantly increased by the additional adhesive or bonding thickness of the adhesive A.
  • the pattern 107 of FIG. 13( a ) may have the peak and bottom 107 a and 107 b which are longer than those of FIG. 14 , due to its tilting orientation. Because the lengthy peak and bottom 107 a and 107 b are advantageous for restricting or blocking the flow of the adhesive A on the seating part 104 , it may be preferable for the pattern 107 of FIG. 13( a ) to be applied to the case or the seating part 104 having the curvature.
  • the tilting pattern 107 of FIG. 13( a ) may be difficult to be formed compared with the non-tilting pattern 107 of FIG. 14 , and thus can cause the increase of manufacturing cost.
  • the flow of adhesive A may not occur significantly at the flat mobile terminal, i.e. the flat case and flat seating part 104 .
  • it may be first considered to apply the pattern 107 of FIG. 14 to such a flat case or the flat seating part 104 .
  • the pattern 107 of FIG. 14 may be effectively applied to the curved case and the curved seating part 104 thereof.
  • the pattern 107 may include a side wall 107 g formed between the peak 107 a and the bottom 107 b .
  • the side wall 107 g may connects the peak 107 a and the bottom 107 b .
  • the side wall 107 g may be formed substantially normal to the bottom 107 b or the peak 107 a .
  • the side wall 107 g may tilt with regard to the bottom 107 b or the peak 107 a as shown in FIG. 15 , and may have the adhesive surface increased, compared with the normal side wall 107 g in FIG. 10 .
  • the pattern 107 may have a saw-toothed cross section. Therefore, the tilting side wall 107 g can increase the adhesive or bonding strength.
  • the tilting side wall 107 g and the saw-toothed cross section of FIGS. 14 and 15 can be applied to the various patterns shown in FIG. 10 -FIG. 13 .
  • the depth d of the bottom 107 b may be 0.05 mm and the same depth may be applied to all the patterns 107 as illustrated. Such a depth d can achieve the intended functions as described above without decreasing the structural strength of the case.
  • a flexible display made of deformable material such as plastic has been developed.
  • the flexible display can be easily deformed to have a predetermined curvature, and thus can be directly applied to the curved mobile terminal. However, the flexible display may tends to be restored to its original shape, the sufficient adhesive strength is required to attach the flexible display to the curved display. As the pattern 107 provides the significantly increased adhesive strength, the flexible display can be rigidly attached to the case, i.e. the seating part 104 by applying the pattern 107 to the seating part 104 .
  • the pattern 107 may be configured to discharge the air trapped in the bottom 107 b .
  • the pattern 107 can be configured to communicate with an outside of the pattern 107 in order to discharge the air G.
  • the adhesive A is applied to the seating part 104 , and more particularly, to a top portion of the pattern 107 and a bottom portion of the pattern 107 is basically closed down.
  • lateral portions 107 c and 107 d of the pattern 107 in parallel with the outer circumferential portion of the case (e.g., the front case 101 ) or the channel 105 can communicate with their outsides, i.e., the channel 107 and the inside of the case.
  • the bottom 107 b of the pattern 107 may have first and second ends 107 e and 107 f opposite to each other.
  • the first end 107 e may communicate with the channel 105
  • the second end 107 f communicates with the inside of the case through an inner end of the seating part 104 . If the window 151 a pressurizes the seating part 104 in the course of an adhesion process, the air G is pushed out of the bottom 107 b so as to be discharged into the channel 105 and the inside of the case through the first end 107 e and the second end 107 f , respectively. Hence, the air G can be effectively removed from the pattern 107 by the communicating structure of the pattern 107 , whereby the uniform application and adhesion can be achieved.
  • the above-mentioned pattern 107 is described with reference to the curved terminal 100 shown in FIG. 5 . Moreover, the pattern 107 can apply to the flat terminal 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as well for the same purposes and achieve the same functions and effects. That is, the pattern 107 can be applied to the flat case and/or the flat seating part 104 thereof for the same purposes, functions, and effects.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
US14/718,588 2014-11-27 2015-05-21 Mobile terminal Active US9473604B2 (en)

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KR10-2014-0167217 2014-11-27
KR1020140167217A KR102201749B1 (ko) 2014-11-27 2014-11-27 이동 단말기
KR1020150050048A KR20160120897A (ko) 2015-04-09 2015-04-09 이동 단말기
KR10-2015-0050048 2015-04-09

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US20160156755A1 US20160156755A1 (en) 2016-06-02
US9473604B2 true US9473604B2 (en) 2016-10-18

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KR102207692B1 (ko) * 2017-01-05 2021-01-25 후아웨이 테크놀러지 컴퍼니 리미티드 단말 장치의 하우징 구성요소 및 단말기
CN108008780A (zh) * 2018-01-22 2018-05-08 广东欧珀移动通信有限公司 电子设备
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KR102482666B1 (ko) 2018-06-15 2022-12-29 삼성전자주식회사 디스플레이 장치 및 그를 포함하는 전자 장치
CN109831557B (zh) * 2019-02-21 2022-03-04 维沃移动通信有限公司 一种移动终端及其制备方法
JP7552107B2 (ja) 2020-07-08 2024-09-18 セイコーエプソン株式会社 電気光学装置、及び電子機器
JP7452312B2 (ja) 2020-07-30 2024-03-19 日本精機株式会社 ヘッドアップディスプレイ
EP4277244A4 (fr) * 2021-06-04 2024-09-04 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Dispositif électronique comprenant une fenêtre pour module optique
EP4297001A4 (fr) * 2021-07-22 2024-09-18 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Dispositif d'affichage à panneau d'affichage latéral
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US10897827B2 (en) * 2019-02-01 2021-01-19 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Housing and electronic device including the same
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CN106210183B (zh) 2020-07-10
EP3029915B1 (fr) 2019-12-18
CN106210183A (zh) 2016-12-07
EP3029915A1 (fr) 2016-06-08
US20160156755A1 (en) 2016-06-02

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